Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 1 Timothy 5:3 (NIV)
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul shifts his focus to gospel compassion. A gospel-centered church will show the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible is full of God’s compassion for His children, especially those who do not have others in this world who care for them.
Moses says, “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.” (Deut. 10:18)
David says, “Sing to God, sing praise to his name… a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” (Psa. 68:4-5)
An entire book of the Bible is given to the story of three widows—Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi, and how God provided hope and a future for them.
We see God’s compassion most clearly in our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke tells us that one day Jesus went to a town called Nain. As He got near to the town gate, Christ saw a large crowd, gathered around a widow. They were carrying the body of her only son who had died.
Luke says, “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her” (Luke 7:13). Literally, “He was moved to the core of his being,” and by His divine power, He raised the boy to life and gave him back to his mother.
The Gospels are full of the affection of Jesus for those who have the least in this world. So, it should not surprise us that from the earliest days, this ministry of compassion has been a distinguishing mark of faithful churches.
How does your church show compassion?
